If you are going to be traveling through north-central Idaho anytime soon, make sure you visit one of the best new diners to hit the state. Located at 703 South Main, in Pierce, Idaho is and little gem named Wink and Smile Diner , owned and operated by Jim and Teresa Meads. This area of Idaho is a favorite with fishermen, hunters and those who just like the great outdoors. Setting out into the wilderness on an empty stomach isn’t a good idea for anybody, so thank goodness they can stop in this neat-as-a-pin establishment anytime between dawn and 7 PM. Map of Pierce, ID US

On the menu:

When I was there earlier this month, they had just been open two weeks and already the place was filled with happy patrons, including a local ladies monthly birthday celebration luncheon. There were sixteen ladies at this lunch, and they were the no-nonsense types, but it seemed that most of them enjoyed their orders, including the Beer Battered Pickles. (I tried one, it was delicious!).

If that sounds a bit exotic for your tastes, you will find the usual fare on the lunch menu such as hamburgers, freedom fries, hot dogs, sandwiches; for dinner you can choose from such favorites as steaks, chicken strips, chicken fried steak, all with choices of sides like salad, rolls, vegetables, and potato choices. I had to chuckle a bit about one of the menu choices. Remember, this is logging country, so they have named one of their hot dogs the “Log Jam”. It is a “beef frank stuffed with Swiss cheese, wrapped in bacon, then goes for a fryer dunk. Yummy!”.

Last, but not least, Wink and Smile Diner serves breakfast all day. They offer “The Blob Omelete” with 4 eggs, bacon, ham, sausage, green peppers, mushrooms and 4 kinds of cheese. Also, for early morning chow hounds they have a breakfast egg special with hashbrowns, choice of toast, etc., as well as pancakes, French toast, biscuits and gravy, corn bread and even a cup of chili.

This is a family restaurant, so leave your cussing at the door. They want everyone to feel welcome, and to leave full and happy. Ladies, the restroom is very tidy, and even has seat covers. Lastly, I had one of the best milkshakes when I was there. It was just like the “old timey” ones, thick and not too sweet. Yum!